Collen Maswanganyi

Collen Maswanganyi (born 17 January 1977) is a South African sculptor from Noblehoek near Giyani in Limpopo. He comes from a multi-generational family of woodcarvers and is the son of sculptor Johannes Maswanganyi, from whom he inherited a tradition of woodcarving. He studied Fine Art at Technikon Witwatersrand (1997–1999), where he obtained a National Diploma.

Maswanganyi works mainly with wood and paint, creating sculptures that explore the relationship between traditional and contemporary life. His work often depicts figures dressed in both traditional and modern clothing, sometimes engaging with technology such as mobile phones. Through these contrasts, he reflects on cultural change, identity, and everyday life in South Africa. His work has been exhibited locally and internationally and is held in both public and private collections.

Reference:

1. The Viewing Room Art Gallery (n.d.) Collen and Johannes Maswanganyi. Available at: https://theviewingroom.co.za/artists/collen-and-johannes-maswanganyi (Accessed: 24 April 2026).

2. Villa-Legodi Centre for Sculpture (n.d.) Collen Maswanganyi. Available at: https://www.villa-legodi.com/collen-maswanganyi (Accessed: 24 April 2026).

3. Strauss & Co (n.d.) Collen Maswanganyi. Available at: https://www.straussart.co.za/artists/collen-maswanganyi (Accessed: 24 April 2026).